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228 Views 5 Replies Latest reply: Nov 30, 2012 7:08 PM by RonMarton RSS
leno8126 Just Startin' 5 posts since
Jun 6, 2012
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 30, 2012 7:25 AM

Capsule Swaps

Hey guys

 

For those of you who have swapped out capsules can you give me an idea of how the "tonality" of the mic changed on a XD 70 or 75?  First off I do want to say I love the line 6 wireless mics, and I think the wireless technology is really really good. I also use their wireless guitar setups which are just as great. The reason I'm asking about  capsule swaps is the one thing I've noted when recording my band is that the vocals, when sung through a stock line 6 mic, just don't "sit" in the mix properly.  They always seem to be "out front" too much and not real smooth sounding.  I thought it was just me, but I've recorded other people singing with my band on a line 6 mic with the exact same results.  The rest of the band uses standard wired shures, senns, and I don't hear that problem. I've racked my brain over and over trying to figure out how to fix it but so far no luck and I can only pin point it to the mic itself. Any ideas on this?  Is there a really strong frequency spike in the upper mids that make line 6 mics just jump out and not sit in a mix quite right?  Those of you with capsule swaps did you hear a big difference in the tonality of the mic and did it appear to smooth out the sound?  Any help and/or opinions would be greatly appreciated!  THANKS!

  • RonMarton Iknowathingortwo 357 posts since
    Jan 12, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 30, 2012 10:36 AM (in response to leno8126)
    Re: Capsule Swaps

    I think you're on the right track when you suspect that something like what you describe as a "frequency spike" may well be at the heart of the issue in question.

     

    Let me assure you that the actual signal path from capsule output to mixer input is as linear as a cable when using XD-V70s and V75s, with no inherent "eq" or companding that could affect the subjective balance of your mix.

     

    I make these comments from the perspective of a working Audio Director/Sound Supervisor who's approaching half a century of ongoing mixing and recording experience, most of it live or "as live" ...and one who has neither affiliation with, nor particular loyalty to, Line 6. (Click on my pink avatar for more details.)

     

    My feeling is that you should experiment with Line 6's different mic models before going to the trouble and expense of capsule replacement.

     

    To my ears, the "standard L6" model does exhibit the open and extended high frequency response that (while being much loved by regular users of condenser vocal mics such as Neumann KMS104s and 105s) could well be giving rise to the "out front" effect that you mention.

     

    I'd be very surprised if you could not find a sound that "sits right" for you and would suggest that you start with the silky bass that Line 6 have modeled from Electro-Voice's neodymium-capsuled N/D767a in their "767" setting.

     

    Then have a listen to the "b58", "935" and "d5" models.

     

    I can report that the "b58" has proven to be the most "familiar" to vocalists in just over a year on the road using my V70 handhelds, with many subsequently relishing the ability to "tailor" my handhelds to their particular vocal styles. 

      • RonMarton Iknowathingortwo 357 posts since
        Jan 12, 2012
        Currently Being Moderated
        Nov 30, 2012 5:22 PM (in response to leno8126)
        Re: Capsule Swaps

        Aah...

         

        From what you've just noted, Leno, I'm now guessing that we're talking about vocalists who like their mic to sit pretty much against their lips, as that is the only time my old ears discern a difference between the cabled "originals" and Line 6's models that are drawn from them...

         

        And, yes, I feel that, given placement at such a minimal distance, the "proximity effect" definitely yields a slightly more "dark" or "warm" bass from the originals than it does from the Line 6 equivalent. The Line 6 models' accuracy is only restored when the lips are moved further from the capsules by as little as 5mm (1/4 inch).

         

        A further "yes"...

         

        If you're a beta58 user, I'm sure (or, indeed, "Shure") that you'll be absolutely thrilled with the way this capsule http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/341232-REG/Shure_RPW118_RPW118_Dynamic_Replacement_Element.html simply screws on to the XD-V70/V75 handheld, at which point the Line 6 wireless will become absolutely indistinguishable from the cabled version, ...yielding much better results and equivalence, in my opinion, than when it's aboard Shure's own wireless systems.

         

        A fuller discussion of exactly this swap (along with other comments from an ultimately happy "transplantee") can be found here: http://line6.com/support/message/376455#376455

         

        Sadly, the news regarding capsule swaps to other manufacturers is more mixed, but a quick search of this forum will reveal various "work-arounds" and "gain mods" that have ultimately met with success.

         

        It's also regrettable that European manufacturers (other than Telefunken) seem loth to release capsules compatible with the "Shure/Line 6" screw-on "pogo-stick-pin" contact system.

          • RonMarton Iknowathingortwo 357 posts since
            Jan 12, 2012
            Currently Being Moderated
            Nov 30, 2012 7:08 PM (in response to leno8126)
            Re: Capsule Swaps

            Bob Heil's legendary 35 happens to be one of my favourites as well, but I'd recommend that you definitely try the cabled version at a music store before committing, ...as its performance differs vastly from a beta58 for most voices.

             

            That being said, it's my firm opinion that the Heil RC35's "cut through" revelation of detail and enhanced immunity from feedback place it several classes above Shure's products.

             

            The good news is that there are quite a few of them being very succesfully used atop XD-V handhelds out there, this discussion being a good indication of what you might expect:  http://line6.com/support/message/364749#364749

             

            As you say, I can't imagine that any of TC Helicon's excellent range of stomp boxes and modifiers would have a detrimental effect on the performance of any viable source unless they're really badly maladjusted by some cloth-eared fool.

             

            By the way, should you be considering a trial by using the field-replaceable capsule from a cabled beta58 onto your XD-V handheld, you'll very quickly discover that this won't work. That cabled capsule's a "solder" job, not the "pogo pin" system required for wireless transmitters.

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